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But time is running out for Newcastle with just a day to go in the January transfer window and with Palace continuing to demand both an obligation and a loan charge the talks seem likely to run into the last day of the winter trading period.

Reports yesterday suggested that Chance Mbemba could be used as bait in United’s pursuit of Andros Townsend, meaning a potential swap deal could be in the pipeline.

Ghana beat Mbemba’s DR Congo 2-1 in the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals last night, meaning the centre-half will be returning to Tyneside.